Dubai-based MyCrane lifts itself into the prime Saudi market
Two-year-old startup commences strategic digitalisation programme
MyCrane – the world’s first online crane rental platform – has lifted itself into Saudi Arabia, following a similar push into the US and Indian markets in the past 10 months.
Addressing a news conference on October 3, 2023, on the sidelines of ADIPEC 2023, the largest annual show for the global energy sector, being held in Abu Dhabi City, Andrei Geikalo, Founder and CEO of MyCrane, said: “Saudi Arabia is committed to almost AED3.68 trillion ($1 trillion) worth of construction and other projects and plans to become a global logistics hub, so we see no shortage of opportunities in the fast-transitioning country,” Geikalo added.
Headquartered in Dubai, UAE, and operating as the proverbial booking.com of the global crane rental industry, MyCrane is a one-stop digital marketplace for the quick and efficient rental and sale of all-terrain, mobile and crawler cranes, spare parts and auxiliaries and rigging equipment.
Targeting a range of industries that require cranes with a capacity of up to 750 tonnes, MyCrane simplifies crane rental procurement by allowing customers to submit details of their lifting requirements to receive personalised quotes from a range of registered crane owners.
Platform customers can quickly request a crawler or tower crane without relying on manual processes, such as calling crane suppliers or making multiple offline requests.
The startup also offers clients a selection of cranes, lifting method statements development, design and engineering, transportation of cranes, site surveys, and legal support.
Geikalo, who literally and figuratively lives and breathes cranes, founded MyCrane in Dubai in mid-2021.
Curated global expansion
Having outgrown its UAE home turf, with its somewhat limited crane use opportunities, it was inevitable that MyCrane sought much larger markets both globally (US and India) and regionally (Saudi Arabia).
MyCrane’s entry into the Saudi market was publicly revealed at ADIPEC 2023.
“Saudi Arabia’s 2030 vision and diversification strategy will be a boost to so many different sectors, so our launch in Saudi Arabia was a natural step,” said Geikalo.
Piet Kraaijeveld leads the Saudi operation as MyCrane’s new chief operating officer.
Kraaijeveld has vast experience in the GCC region’s crane sector, having previously served as sales manager of Mammoet Middle East and Africa and as a strategic account manager for Ritchie Bros, the world’s largest industrial auctioneer.
Kraaijeveld said: “The future success of the construction industry depends on its ability to adapt and leverage the latest technology, which is where MyCrane has a valuable role to play. My career experience puts me in good stead to support our clients as we expand in the Middle East and beyond.”
On the job
Based in Dubai, Kraaijeveld has already begun onboarding Saudi clients on the MyCrane platform. He also facilitates Saudi crane owners and operators to partner with MyCrane by registering their cranes and services while recruiting sales executives across Saudi Arabia.
Given the rapid digitalisation occurring regionally and globally in general – and particularly as the construction industry ramps up its digitalisation – Geikalo told ‘Middle East Ness 247’ that MyCrane has initiated a strategic digitalisation programme incorporating the latest digital technology advances, including the deployment of blockchain technology for customer-supplier payments and a new customised app.
MyCrane’s latest foray into the lucrative Saudi and Indian markets follows the company receiving a multi-million dirham Series A funding round from private investors in July 2023.
The financial injection will also go towards MyCrane’s global sales and marketing activities and boost operations in the APAC and South Asia regions where the digital disrupter already has a foothold.
Into India
Before extending its global expansion programme to Saudi Arabia, MyCrane launched its wholly-owned operations in India in September 2023.
The operations in India are being handled by MyCrane’s experienced Indian partners, Rajiv Waichal, based in Pune, Maharashtra, and Ganesh M. Patil, located in Surat, Gujarat.
US footprint
Before the India foray, MyCrane launched its US operations In December 2022 and appointed Houston-based Scott Wilkes as director of business development, reporting directly to the senior management team in Dubai.
In a statement, Geikalo said: “The construction industry in the United States is expected to have expanded by 4.5% in real terms in 2022, supported by investments in transport, renewable energy, water, and housing projects. One of the biggest markets for construction spend and a leader in digitalisation, the USA is a territory where MyCrane had to be present.
“Against that backdrop, the timing of MyCrane’s launch in the US is perfect to help all those working in cranes and construction – whether you want to hire a crane, buy or sell equipment, find a new job or identify the right crane for your next lift – we do it all,” Geikalo added.
To date, MyCrane has registered 3,000+ customers and features 15,000+ cranes with a 100kg and 750-ton capacity available for hire in 20+ countries at the free-to-use digital platform.
MyCrane capitalises on its Dubai-based management team’s experience in the crane industry to ensure ease of use of the platform and that the quotes that customers receive from crane service suppliers are directly comparable. Registration on the forum is free for both users and crane rental companies.
Featured image: (L-R) Piet Kraaijeveld, Andrei Geikalo, and Aleksandr Geikalo at ADIPEC 2023 in Abu Dhabi City. Image: MyCrane
Last Updated on 10 months by Arnold Pinto
